O'Faoláin, Seán, 1900-1991

Seán O'Faoláin was born John Whelan in County Cork, Ireland; he came from a loyalist family, and initally opposed the Easter Rebellion of 1916, but the excessive force used by the British to suppress the rebellion inspired his sense of Irish nationalism. He took Gaelic lessons and earned a scholarship to University College, Cork, changing his name to the Gaelic form. He studied and worked in America for several years, but was drawn back to Ireland, where he resolved to become a writer. Diverse and prolific, he wrote novels, criticism, essays, biographies, and other non-fiction, but is best remembered for his short stories, distinguished by their irony and craftsmanship. Although he had a realistic and sometimes critical view of Ireland, he remained there, encouraging young writers and serving as a sort of benevolent (but grouchy) uncle.

From the description of Seán O'Faoláin letter to Jon Carroll and typescript foreword, 1946-1964. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 69937543

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